A massive humanitarian catastrophe is imminent in Artsakh. 120.000 ethnic Armenians are under the Azerbaijani blockade for 240 days. People, especially children, pregnant women and the elderly are facing severe healthcare problems due to malnutrition. Artsakh is lacking the most essential foodstuffs and vitally important products.
Azerbaijan’s fascist policy of Armenophobia, and the impunity it has gained from its previous humanitarian and human rights violations, triggers further and more severe conduct against ethnic Armenians residing in Artsakh. Ethnic cleansing and genocide in Artsakh are the main priorities of Azerbaijani authorities.
Azerbaijan’s disrespect and ignorance of the core values of International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law has reached the highest possible level. They now have even abducted a civilian patient during an ICRC-facilitated transfer, to which the Azerbaijani side gave its prior consent to and approval.
The current situation around the Artsakh blockade is not only about the life and security of 120.000 ethnic Armenians living there but also the unfolding and protection of humanitarian values and national identity.
Azerbaijan’s openly criminal activities, and the lack of any meaningful reaction from the international community, absolute lack of responsibility have allowed Artsakh to become an open-air prison, where people are being subjected to massive starvation through genocidal policies.
No one should allow this humanitarian catastrophe to continue. Immediate action is extremely necessary, right now, to save actual human lives.
